Play review: 'Trust' at Sullivan County Community College

Tuesday

Apr 29, 2008 at 2:00 AM

Loch Sheldrake — In the world premiere presentation of Bill Duncan's play, "Trust," each of the elements — creation, production and characterization — rated 2½ stars overall in Friday night's debut at Seelig Theatre.

Marcus Kalipolites

Loch Sheldrake — In the world premiere presentation of Bill Duncan's play, "Trust," each of the elements — creation, production and characterization — rated 2½ stars overall in Friday night's debut at Seelig Theatre.

Produced by Sullivan County Dramatics Workshop and Sullivan County Community College, the story is based on historical events of a hundred years ago with a focus on John D. Rockefeller and the young female reporter who exposed his shady dealings. Having built up the Standard Oil Trust in the late 19th century, the oil tycoon had become the richest man of the period.

But while in Duncan's play John D. is adequately defined by other characters, that of Ida Tarbell warrants more exposure and depth. The aspiring journalist for the muckraking McClure magazine, after all, was pivotal in breaking up the cartel with hard-nosed investigative reporting. Of little plot value are the antics of the office boy whose silly capers distract from what is otherwise a meaty story.

Stage-wise, the action takes place in side-by-side venues where neat and plush executive furnishings on the left contrast with the paper-strewn magazine office. But beyond the efficient physical layout, it was in the frequent lapses of time between scenes in the opening-night presentation that made for labored pacing.

In this James Heisel-directed production, acting by the 10 performers ranged from engaging to adequate. In the role of Big Bill and father of the tycoon, John Ambrosi easily conveys the picture of a hard-driving and carping bully. And despite ridiculing John D. for learning crochet from his mother, Big Bill also boasts of propelling his son to success. But if Ambrosi is fiercely compelling, Ed Mack is too halting in his delivery to capture the image of a successful oil tycoon.

While in playing the heroine, Tobi Magnetico rattles off corruption figures and spouts concern for ethics in a couple of scenes, for much of the time her demeanor is low-key. As for Sam McClure, her overbearing boss, Mike Frizalone succeeds in creating a driven publisher who longs for the big story. As part of the magazine crew, Sean O'Neil imbues Sid with the energy of an adolescent office boy fidgeting all over the place.

If the McClure office is marked by foolery, the domain of John D. is strictly business as chief of staff Henry Rodgers (Bill Moloney) comes across as a no-nonsense aide. Fleshing out the weak-kneed and son-of-inconsequence Frank Rockefeller is James Sullivan.

Rounding out the cast are Michael Herko as the revivalist preacher who intones with righteous conviction, Richard Topper as the smooth public relations man, Fred Gates who, with glib tongue and expressive hands, pushes the millionaire to create the perception of being more generous, and finally Ellen Pavloff as Cettie, John D.'s weepy wife.

In writing this play, Sullivan County resident Duncan has the makings of an epic work. But one would have to wonder why, in this story of greed and dishonesty, the titan of words would not have engaged the business tycoon in a more compelling way.

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